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The Phoenix Throne
The King of Joseon has two Yonghwan, the Crown Prince, and Suntae, an adoptive son. Though quite unlike each other, the two princes are best friends—and something more. Unbeknownst to others in the palace, their relationship has taken an illicit turn and become a love affair.
Their bond is put to the test when the King suddenly dies. Everyone in the palace expects Yonghwan to succeed his father to the throne, but the late King has chosen the studious Suntae over his foolhardy biological son.
Humiliated and hurt, Yonghwan flees from the palace and starts a new life in exile. But one day, an attendant to the late King offers him a chance to reclaim the throne—by staging a coup and overthrowing Suntae. But which will win—Yonghwan’s lust for power or his love for Suntae?
Their bond is put to the test when the King suddenly dies. Everyone in the palace expects Yonghwan to succeed his father to the throne, but the late King has chosen the studious Suntae over his foolhardy biological son.
Humiliated and hurt, Yonghwan flees from the palace and starts a new life in exile. But one day, an attendant to the late King offers him a chance to reclaim the throne—by staging a coup and overthrowing Suntae. But which will win—Yonghwan’s lust for power or his love for Suntae?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
3 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 20, 2024
Have read this author a few times. Societies different from your own are difficult to get into. It takes a while to understand the different attitudes, lifestyle, etc., of a different society. Enjoyed the characters. Will continue reading this author. (I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
September 19, 2024
A Korean historical drama, in book form. The story takes place in the Joseon era (the most popular era for Korean historicals). The king has two sons, one biological, and one adopted, but there is a twist: our two main characters are gay. And they fall in love, in an era where such feelings could get them killed.
All is fine in the King's court until the king dies, but everyone who has ever seen a Korean historical drama will know that there will be a fight for the throne, and there will be a lot of bloodshed.
It's been a while since I've seen a historical KDrama, but I could picture this story in my mind as a KDrama mini-series. I would love to read a sequel to this story.
All is fine in the King's court until the king dies, but everyone who has ever seen a Korean historical drama will know that there will be a fight for the throne, and there will be a lot of bloodshed.
It's been a while since I've seen a historical KDrama, but I could picture this story in my mind as a KDrama mini-series. I would love to read a sequel to this story.
September 14, 2024
This is the tale of two Joseon Era young men. Yonghwan, is the son of the King and the other, Suntae, was the son of peasants. The peasant boy’s mother a herbalist had saved the King’s life when Suntae was only a few months old. She had carried him on her back while she treated the King’s illness. The woman and her husband were killed when their son Suntae was 15 years old and the King adopted the boy and gave him the title of Prince.
Crown Prince Yonghwan, wasn’t happy having this newcomer become a part of his life and was mean to him at every opportunity. His hostility increased when both were being tutored by Teacher Yi. Suntae’s intelligence and political awareness, even though he couldn’t read or write, left Yonghwan in the shade, despite the fact he could read and write, he was a bit lazy. However their relationship changed when Yonghwan saw Suntae kicking a rock without it touching the ground (maybe where the idea of football started). Afterwards they became best friends and even crossed the friendship line and Suntae spent nights in the Crown Prince’s Boudoir. (A serious punishable crime) Nothing goes unnoticed in the Palace, and in this case, the King’s personal attendant, Seongrim, filed that tidbit away for use on another day maybe.
The setting of this tale just grabbed me, because I love my KDramas. The bonus was these two young men, opposites in every way, but so attracted to each other. They were adorable together, so when it was indicated that Suntae was being married off and Yonghwan was attracted to Soheon, I didn’t like that turn of events. I wanted that Fairytale of the Two Princes to happen but many lives were lost in the battle for the Throne.
Having read a few of her books, I’m a huge fan of this author Fulushouxi. Here she has created a very authentic picture of life in the Joseon Era in Korean history and the Court life in the Palace. The shenanigans that take place in the different factions (probably not too different from Royalty in the 21st century. Although the intimacies between the two MC’s here were definitely behind closed doors and fadeouts. The only steam here emanated from the Laundry Room and Bathhouse on Wash Day. But that didn’t deter me from enjoying this story. I just wish the story had gone on for many more chapters. I’m wishing for a sequel, please.
It’s a relatively short read, maybe a day without interruptions, and a hard won HEA indicated.
I received a free ARC copy of this book via BookSirens, and this is my voluntary review.
Crown Prince Yonghwan, wasn’t happy having this newcomer become a part of his life and was mean to him at every opportunity. His hostility increased when both were being tutored by Teacher Yi. Suntae’s intelligence and political awareness, even though he couldn’t read or write, left Yonghwan in the shade, despite the fact he could read and write, he was a bit lazy. However their relationship changed when Yonghwan saw Suntae kicking a rock without it touching the ground (maybe where the idea of football started). Afterwards they became best friends and even crossed the friendship line and Suntae spent nights in the Crown Prince’s Boudoir. (A serious punishable crime) Nothing goes unnoticed in the Palace, and in this case, the King’s personal attendant, Seongrim, filed that tidbit away for use on another day maybe.
The setting of this tale just grabbed me, because I love my KDramas. The bonus was these two young men, opposites in every way, but so attracted to each other. They were adorable together, so when it was indicated that Suntae was being married off and Yonghwan was attracted to Soheon, I didn’t like that turn of events. I wanted that Fairytale of the Two Princes to happen but many lives were lost in the battle for the Throne.
Having read a few of her books, I’m a huge fan of this author Fulushouxi. Here she has created a very authentic picture of life in the Joseon Era in Korean history and the Court life in the Palace. The shenanigans that take place in the different factions (probably not too different from Royalty in the 21st century. Although the intimacies between the two MC’s here were definitely behind closed doors and fadeouts. The only steam here emanated from the Laundry Room and Bathhouse on Wash Day. But that didn’t deter me from enjoying this story. I just wish the story had gone on for many more chapters. I’m wishing for a sequel, please.
It’s a relatively short read, maybe a day without interruptions, and a hard won HEA indicated.
I received a free ARC copy of this book via BookSirens, and this is my voluntary review.
November 13, 2024
I thought this was a great read!
Set in historical South Korea, The Phoenix Throne follows the story of Yonghwan, the Crown Prince of Joseon and his adopted brother, Suntae. The two have a close relationship and while they are happy at the moment, a tragedy upends everything they know and pushes them to find their own inner strength, without each other.
I really enjoyed this read. It wasn’t particularly long, but it held a solid amount of detail to keep me completely engaged. In some ways, if felt a little light – the language used isn’t overly complicated, but I think that was part of the appeal. The romance between Yonghwan and Suntae was sweet, but I wish there was more. After they were reunited, it just kind of ends and I’m left wondering what happens next. There are a lot of questions left and I do wonder if there was more planned. Ultimately, though, I quite enjoyed this read and will be looking for more from this author!
Thank you Voracious Readers and fulushouxi for my copy! I received an ARC of this novel and am voluntarily leaving a review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.
Set in historical South Korea, The Phoenix Throne follows the story of Yonghwan, the Crown Prince of Joseon and his adopted brother, Suntae. The two have a close relationship and while they are happy at the moment, a tragedy upends everything they know and pushes them to find their own inner strength, without each other.
I really enjoyed this read. It wasn’t particularly long, but it held a solid amount of detail to keep me completely engaged. In some ways, if felt a little light – the language used isn’t overly complicated, but I think that was part of the appeal. The romance between Yonghwan and Suntae was sweet, but I wish there was more. After they were reunited, it just kind of ends and I’m left wondering what happens next. There are a lot of questions left and I do wonder if there was more planned. Ultimately, though, I quite enjoyed this read and will be looking for more from this author!
Thank you Voracious Readers and fulushouxi for my copy! I received an ARC of this novel and am voluntarily leaving a review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.
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October 7, 2024I truly honest loved this book. I love reading books set in Joseon, so this felt like it was right up my alley. I was able to understand most of the foreign terms which I was proud of. The only thing that I would have added was a glossary as some words were not explained or it was easy to forget what each term is. I also think a glossary would be helpful for people who haven't read many books set in Joseon or in Korea.
I really liked the character Soheon and eomonim. I liked how protective eomonim was about Soheon. I also liked how she didn't treat Yonghwan/Seonjo like royalty even though he was. I felt like that helped to humble Yonghwan and showed him how sheltered his life was at the palace. Since Suntae had a life before he was adopted by the former king, he knew those life skills already. I personally liked Suntae more at first but as the story progressed, I started to like Yonghwan and Suntae equally.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really liked the character Soheon and eomonim. I liked how protective eomonim was about Soheon. I also liked how she didn't treat Yonghwan/Seonjo like royalty even though he was. I felt like that helped to humble Yonghwan and showed him how sheltered his life was at the palace. Since Suntae had a life before he was adopted by the former king, he knew those life skills already. I personally liked Suntae more at first but as the story progressed, I started to like Yonghwan and Suntae equally.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 23, 2024
I love historical fiction and this one being set in South Korea royals caught my eye for sure! The cover reminds me of the k-dramas I used to watch back in the day 🥹
The book is pretty short and easy to get through even though it took me a few days to get completely immersed. The writing is simple too, although it may take some time to get used to the names and Korean words mentioned here and there. I certainly liked learning about Korean traditions from back in the day.
The only thing that lacked for me is the fact that I couldn’t completely connect with the characters in the book, but that may be be because it’s written in third person pov.
I really loved the last few chapters, they were exhilarating! I was also so happy with it, yeongrim and suntae have an amazing bond, and I’m glad they are there for each other. I’m also glad that each one of them had realised their true happinesses by the end of the book.
~This is a free ARC review. Thank you to the author and BookSirens 🫶🏼
The book is pretty short and easy to get through even though it took me a few days to get completely immersed. The writing is simple too, although it may take some time to get used to the names and Korean words mentioned here and there. I certainly liked learning about Korean traditions from back in the day.
The only thing that lacked for me is the fact that I couldn’t completely connect with the characters in the book, but that may be be because it’s written in third person pov.
I really loved the last few chapters, they were exhilarating! I was also so happy with it, yeongrim and suntae have an amazing bond, and I’m glad they are there for each other. I’m also glad that each one of them had realised their true happinesses by the end of the book.
~This is a free ARC review. Thank you to the author and BookSirens 🫶🏼
August 24, 2024
The Phoenix Throne is a great Korean MM Historical Romance. I read this book in one sitting. I loved how fleshed out the characters were. We really got a good idea of each person's motivations and feelings throughout the book. I think the flashbacks were well placed and distinguished so as to not interrupt the story's flow. I honestly wished this book was longer as the love between Suntae and Yonghwan was too captivating. 5 🌟.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 24, 2024
3.5 stars. It was interesting to read about the royalty and history of a culture I don’t know much about. The love story was subtle and it was a lot more about family, found family, and royal politics, with a bit of intrigue. The themes of loyalty and class / exploring your place in the world are subtly but well explored. The writing is slightly stilted feeling but in a way it works as if you’re reading a translated work or things spoken in a second language. An enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 4, 2024
◇I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.◇
This book had a lot of potential but it felt a little rushed. It was still a great book, just maybe may have benefitted from a bit more time from the author and a bit more research on imperial korea. The lack of research was my main concern while reading. It didn't feel as authentic as it could have.
This book had a lot of potential but it felt a little rushed. It was still a great book, just maybe may have benefitted from a bit more time from the author and a bit more research on imperial korea. The lack of research was my main concern while reading. It didn't feel as authentic as it could have.
October 7, 2024
It was a good book. Great pace, sucked me in from the beginning, and even though it was sad, and did not have the HEA that I adore, it made a lot of sense for the characters and setting. It is well done, easy to follow, and a I enjoyed it. I’ll be reading more by this author.
October 10, 2024
This was a good read. I like palace and political intrigue stories, but it felt a little slow and I could have used more intrigue, overall. I can't help thinking it focused on the wrong brother. Yongwhan learns how to be less entitled and pampered, but he doesn't really face his demons. He's not in a position to pick up on much of the intrigue around him (most of it doesn't even happen around him) so this book is more about him trying to grow out of his entitlement and less about intrigue.
His adoptive brother Suntae is in the middle of the palace, while traitors are organizing a coup. That's where most of the intrigue happens and we only see a few glimpses. I wish there was more.
I could have used more focus on the MM romance in the foreground. The romance between Yongwhan and his female love interest has the most page time in the book. The conclusion seems a little unclear to me. Not much seems to have changed; Yongwhan's status, title, and life moving forward aren't really explained. Suntae and Yongwhan will stay in each other's lives but we don't get to see what that looks like, with Suntae's new wife in the picture.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
His adoptive brother Suntae is in the middle of the palace, while traitors are organizing a coup. That's where most of the intrigue happens and we only see a few glimpses. I wish there was more.
I could have used more focus on the MM romance in the foreground. The romance between Yongwhan and his female love interest has the most page time in the book. The conclusion seems a little unclear to me. Not much seems to have changed; Yongwhan's status, title, and life moving forward aren't really explained. Suntae and Yongwhan will stay in each other's lives but we don't get to see what that looks like, with Suntae's new wife in the picture.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews